Aakash Chopra Explains Why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Is Struggling to Break Into India's T20I XI
Aakash Chopra explains why Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is struggling to break into India's T20I playing XI despite an impressive start to his career, suggests rotation among top-order batters and backs Tilak Varma against criticism.
Sooryavanshi is part of India's squad for the upcoming five-match T20I series against New Zealand, which begins on November 22. However, the teenager did not get a single opportunity during the recently concluded home series against the West Indies, which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Chopra believes Sooryavanshi's absence from the playing XI is primarily due to the lack of available spots rather than any concerns about his ability. The former India batter suggested rotating the top-order players to create opportunities for the youngster, although he acknowledged that his proposal has not received much support.
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Chopra was asked whether Sooryavanshi should replace Tilak Varma in the playing XI, given concerns about the latter's perceived inconsistency.
"Vaibhav Sooryavanshi isn't getting chances because a place isn't getting created for him. In whose place should you play him? To be fair, he can play only in place of Sanju Samson, Abhishek Sharma, or Ishan Kishan," Chopra responded.
"When three people are doing well, you can't get a chance suddenly. I know it is heartbreaking, but there is no other way. No one is agreeing with the method I am suggesting. You can do a rotation. Give chances to all four of them in rotation," he added.
Chopra also questioned the purpose of keeping Sooryavanshi in the squad throughout the series if the teenager is not going to receive any playing time. He believes that if the team management does not intend to include him in the XI, Sooryavanshi should instead be released to play in the Ranji Trophy.
The youngster has made an encouraging start to his T20I career, scoring 246 runs in eight matches at a strike rate of over 186, including two half-centuries. Despite his impressive numbers and reputation for aggressive batting, he has yet to receive consistent opportunities in the current international setup, with the more experienced Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma preferred at the top of the order.
Chopra also defended Tilak Varma, rejecting the suggestion that the Indian vice-captain has been underperforming and should make way for Sooryavanshi.
"Shooting arrows at Tilak Varma is not right," Chopra said, pushing back against criticism of the batter's recent performances.
"If you say Tilak Varma doesn't perform at all, then what you are saying is slightly wrong. Tilak Varma struck two centuries when he played at No. 3. After that, he got injured and had a slight problem before the World Cup," he said.
The former India opener highlighted Tilak's contributions in the middle and lower-middle order, arguing that his performances should not be overlooked simply because he has not always batted in his preferred position.
With Sooryavanshi included in the squad for the New Zealand series beginning November 22, the question of how India manages its top-order options remains central to his prospects of getting an opportunity. Chopra's comments underline the selection challenge facing the team, with the teenager's statistics strengthening his case while competition for places continues.

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